Professor in Sustainable Energy Systems

The University of Leicester’s School of Engineering is seeking an exceptional academic leader to join us as Professor in Sustainable Energy Systems. This post offers a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of research, innovation and education in an area of major national importance. As a world‑class researcher, you will establish and lead a visionary programme of work that not only strengthens existing capabilities across our five interdisciplinary research groups but also aligns directly with key UK priorities in Space, Net Zero and Industrial Strategy. You will be joining a welcoming community of colleagues best expressed in our mission statement “Together building an inclusive and inspiring teaching and research community, to create the school of choice for world leading engineers and future innovators.”

This appointment brings substantial strategic benefits to the University. It signals Leicester’s clear commitment to investing in research leadership rather than simply expanding teaching capacity. The role will enhance the University's competitive position within the region, unlock new major grant opportunities, and deepen our partnerships with industry and government bodies by anchoring our expertise in areas critical to the UK’s long‑term technological and environmental goals.

Your research portfolio may span one or more of our priority themes, each of which aligns closely with the UK’s national research agendas and our established research strengths. These include Space Systems and Engineering—strengthening Leicester’s global reputation through Space Park Leicester and supporting UK Space Strategy; Fusion & Sustainable Energy Futures in line with the STEP Fusion Programme and the UK Net Zero Strategy; AI‑Driven Net Zero Engineering and Manufacturing, linking digital twins, AI and sustainability to the Midlands manufacturing base and the UK Industrial Strategy; and Materials & Autonomy in Extreme Environments, which offers a unique cross‑cutting strand connecting space, fusion, materials science and advanced manufacturing.

As part of your leadership, you will publish world‑leading research, develop the strategic direction of your discipline, attract sustained external research income, and build international networks. You will contribute to research‑led teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, shaping curriculum development and supporting an excellent student experience. You will also play a key role in mentoring colleagues, contributing to School and University committees, and representing Leicester on national and international platforms.

This permanent, full‑time appointment is an exciting opportunity to make a transformative contribution to the School of Engineering, to the University’s strategic priorities, and to the UK’s future capability in sustainable energy systems.

You will be an inspiring academic with an outstanding track record in sustainable energy systems or a closely related field. You should hold a PhD or equivalent industrial research background and demonstrate recognised excellence within your discipline. You will have a sustained record of world‑leading publications, strong success in attracting external research income, and clear evidence of contributing research that makes a positive impact on society, policy, industry or practice. You will bring extensive experience of supervising postgraduate researchers and supporting colleagues at all stages of their careers, together with a commitment to developing innovative, research‑informed teaching that enhances curriculum design and student outcomes.

You will be an effective leader and collaborator, able to motivate teams, contribute to long‑term strategic planning, and represent the University in external roles. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to work across disciplines are essential.

For more information on the role and its responsibilities, please refer to the job summary form.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor Ljiljana Marjanovic-Halburd, Head of the School of Engineering at [email protected].

We anticipate that interviews will take place on campus in May 2026.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.